Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program

The mission of the Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program at Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute is to make discoveries that will lead to advancements in the treatment of pediatric cancer, while fostering career development of its faculty and providing mentorship and a stimulating research environment for graduate students, postdoctoral research scientists and medical fellows.

The overarching research objective of the program is to uncover molecular mechanisms underlying tumorigenesis, cancer metastasis and drug resistance. Our program is strengthened by its members’ multidisciplinary expertise in clinical, translational and basic cancer research.

The program conducts translational research using high-powered computing, clinical-laboratory-industry collaborations and basic bench science. Recent innovations include the:

Elucidation of pathways and conditions that transform normal cells into malignant cells;

Identification of microenvironmental factors that contribute to malignant transformation;

Development of software that facilitates integration of genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic data, with clinical data of relevance to pediatric brain tumors;

Development of a mouse model of brain tumors (PNETs, Pediatric Neuroectodermal Tumors) that can be exploited for drug screening and testing of novel therapeutic strategies.

Lurie Children's provides healthcare regardless race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources, and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin.

Lurie Children's complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, or disability.